What’s the Score?
Australian pickleball star Simone Kessell has officially renewed her contract as an ambassador for JOOLA Australia, cementing a partnership that dominated the region in 2025. The announcement, made on January 4, 2026, confirms that Kessell will continue to represent the brand throughout the new year. This renewal follows a season where Kessell collected major team titles and individual accolades, including the top global senior ranking in women’s singles.
Hit it deeper!
Simone Kessell’s 2025 season was described by her sponsors as nothing short of “stellar.” A New Zealand television actress by trade, the 50-year-old athlete has proven to be a formidable competitor on the court. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the Brisbane Breakers to a championship victory at the Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA) Masters. She backed this up with another team triumph, helping the Dinkers secure the Division 2 title.
Her individual resume is equally impressive. At the Australian Pickleball Championships in 2024, Kessell clinched a gold medal in women’s singles (35+ age 4.0) and a silver medal in women’s doubles. Perhaps most notably, she finished the 2025 season holding the number one global senior DUPR ranking in women’s singles. This achievement highlights her ability to compete at an elite level both domestically in Australian leagues and on the international ranking stage.
JOOLA Australia’s announcement emphasised Kessell’s reliability and competitive nature, stating, “Consistent. Competitive. Proven at the highest level. We’re proud to have Simone representing JOOLA into 2026”.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Simone Kessell’s renewed contract with JOOLA serves as a strong indicator of the growing importance of the international and senior markets in pickleball. While much of the global attention focuses on the young pros in the United States, athletes like Kessell are driving the sport’s expansion in key regions like Australia.
Her dual identity as a public figure (actress) and a top-tier athlete makes her a high-value ambassador for the sport. Furthermore, her dominance in the senior DUPR rankings underscores the vitality of the masters division, which remains a core demographic for pickleball’s growth. By locking down Kessell, JOOLA is securing a foothold in the booming Australian market, proving that the business of pickleball is increasingly global.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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